Seriously considering DVC; Have a few questions

[tkbocl]

Wow. As my wife and I have contemplated becoming DVC members, I have learned a ton through this forum. Thanks to all!

Here's our current thinking:

I don't really see that there is any significant price advantage to buying resale versus buying direct. It seems that most resales have already used their points for the year, have borrowed some agains next year, or both. I know there are exceptions, but it seems that resale and MB are basically equal in most (certainly not all) cases, especially in the 150-200 point range (where we are looking). So, if we just want into DVC and don't care where, I would probably go direct.

That being said, we are strongly considring HH via a resale purchase for these reasons:

1.We live an easy four hour drive from HH and would be very likely to utilize the resort during some of the more premium seasons.

2. The only times I absolutely don't want to be at WDW are the times when the rest of the world is there! We would probably only ever use the Adventure and Choice (and maybe Dream) seasons in Orlando.

But my big question is this: If we buy HH, how much trouble will we have getting an "off-season" 1 or 2 bedroom at one of the Orlando locations?

As a side question, how strictly are the room capacities enforced. We are two adults plus 4 children age 5 and under. A one bedroom would be just fine - since on vacaion the kids end up in the bed with us anyway! Would anyone know? Would anyone care?

Thanks for any future help an all of the past help!!

(Also or those with financing questions who can't get/don't want a HELOC, we discovered that Capitol One will do a five-year, unsecured personal loan at 7.9% fixed. FWIW)

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Welcome.please dont let some of the responses scare you off,you have just asked a very highly debated question.the 1 bedroom occupancy is 4 with 1 child under the age of 3.you would have to have a 2 bedroom.i hope someone else with more time into DVC can answer the rest of your questions.we just purchased last year.we purchased in April of last year and made a ressie in May for September and had no problem getting a 2 bedroom.
Misty

 

[Merilyn]

debate the number in the room. Just remember those children under 5 will be older and require more room by 2042. I would buy where you expect to stay the most. It sounds like HH is the place for you. It is harder to get HH in the summer because it is smaller. I have OKW and VB points and have stayed with no trouble at HH, but it was not in the summer. I have never had any trouble getting what I wanted, when I wanted. There are many more places to stay at WDW, so your options are many more there. Just remember to make those reservations at 7 months and you will have no problem. The only time it is a problem is if you want a GV at a resort that is not you home resort. Those fill up at 11 months because there are only a few of them. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Richyams]

You need a two bedroom. You may be able to get away with a one bedroom once depending on how you feel about rules, but in another year or two, you will absolutely have to have the two bedroom.

Understand that HH points are less for a reason and will likely always be worth less, I would expect to see HH and VB points to fall in price dramatically faster than WDW DVC points somewhere down the road.

HH is hard to get in the summer. You really need the 11 month window. At WDW the 11 month window is going to be important for the first two weeks of Decemeber, GV stays, and stays during Oct-Nov. Imagine that, exactly the seasons you will only use,

We would probably only ever use the Adventure and Choice (and maybe Dream) seasons in Orlando.

These are the only ones that need the eleven month window.

DVC busy times ARE NOT WDW busy times. The first two weeks of December are the most difficult to get at DVC yet the park attendence is at its lowest.

 

[RobDoc]

The "occupancy" portion of the question has been answered now and posts containing further discussion of that aspect of the thread won't be needed (or allowed) - per our policy of not allowing occupancy posts on any board except the Debate Board.

If you will primarily be using your membership by staying at HH, a purchase at that resort will serve you well. If you can be flexible with your dates and resort, there will be many times you will find availability at WDW DVC resorts within 7 months.

Enjoy the process.

 

[Dean]

Your thinking sounds fine. It is likely you will want a 2 BR in the future as the children age and your needs change. You may also want a 3 BR GV as you want to take family/friends with you. If you want to visit HH in Summer, you should definitely buy there. Remember that HH is mostly 2 BR units so that may also play into you thinking. For your stated purpose, HH seems like the best choice for you. You could also buy there and possibly add on at a WDW resort later giving you the best of both worlds.

As for resale vs direct, it depends on what your comfort level is. There are still savings to be had on resale. Remember you must compare the price factored by the points availability. Also with MB you're giving up your current years points as well though you could borrow from the next use year. While many resales have less points than even directly from DVC using MB, many also have more and in some cases even more than you'd get from DVC directly even without MB. One of the main reasons to buy resale is that some resorts are not available directly which I'm sure you know since you're looking at HH resale.

Don't give up on a resale just because there are less current points available, look at the overall package. Also the best contracts never get to the websites so place your name in wih one or several with exactly what you want. If your deligent you should still be able to save $3000 on a 200 pt HH purchase resale compared to say BCV retail. Don't forget to factor in the closing costs which are included with a direct purchae and maint fees which tend to be overcharged on resale purchases. And pay attention to points availability and just adjust the value up or down depending on what's there and USEABLE for you.

 

[Pa@okw95]

You are a rare bird that seems to fit HH just right. I never recommended HH before but I would for you. As for the amount of kids in a room, like one said you should think of the future and buy enough points so a two bedroom is a choice you will have. Also be aware that your kids may want to go to WDW when they get old tnough to express their choice which will be sooner than you think-teenagers